Psychological palliative care for patients with interstitial lung disease in Japan: A secondary analysis of a National Survey of Japanese Respiratory Physicians.

BACKGROUND

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often experience psychological symptoms. This study aimed to clarify the status of psychological support for patients with ILD in Japan.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis on a nationwide survey of Japanese respiratory physicians to assess psychological support availability, consultation departments, reasons for palliative care referrals, and opinions on insurance coverage for psychologist-led psychotherapy.

RESULTS

Of 1332 respondents, 1023 managed patients with ILD in the previous year. Among them, 34.5 % reported no psychological support availability and 42.9 % reported insufficient support. Psychiatry or psychosomatic medicine departments were consulted by 77.3 %, and palliative care teams by 52.2 %. Anxiety (47.4 %) and depression (44.6 %) were the reasons for palliative care referral. Overall, 93.6 % considered insurance coverage for psychologist-led psychotherapy helpful or essential.

CONCLUSIONS

Most physicians lack adequate psychological support resources for ILD despite frequent psychological symptoms. Systematic development of support structures and insurance coverage are needed.